Today, Les Carlson, George Mayfield and I did a unplanned run up to the higher elevations of northeast Skamania County in hopes of finding some birds we hadn't seen in the county this year. The birds were few and we worked hard for the ones we did see, the best sightings were of SPRUCE GROUSE, a male on the road to Horseshoe Lake and a female near Keenes Horse Camp. On Takhlakh Lake we found a female RUDDY DUCK, a Code 4 bird in Skamania County. We only found one CLARK'S NUTCRACKER for the day and finches were scarce with only two RED CROSSBILLS seen or heard all day. On the way back down the FR 23 Road to Trout lake we were able to find one very cooperative NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL. Back down on Highway 14 while heading west past Drano Lake we spotted a small tern flying over the lake. We turned around and found the bird sitting on the Drano Lake Boat Ramp, it allowed close approach so George did get some good photos that I am posting on the Washington Birding facebook page. From the short legs and all red bill I believe this is an ARCTIC TERN, but welcome comments and correction if needed.

Wilson Cady
Columbia River Gorge, WA